How does Lotto make overnight millionaires? Video / Annaleise Shortland
While no one’s woken up $33 million richer this morning, a few Kiwis will still be celebrating with a number of Lotto First Division and Strike wins following last night’s live draw.
Out of last night’s four winners, three hail from the South Island, making it an unusually successful nightfor the residents of Te Waipounamu.
Two First Division players - one from Auckland and another from the West Coast - split the $1 million prize, each taking home $500,000.
One ticket was sold through the MyLotto app, while the West Coast winner bought theirs at New World Westport in Westport.
Players also found success in the Strike Four draw, with two from Nelson and Waimate claiming $100,000 each.
The Nelson player bought their ticket through the MyLotto app, while the Cantabrian picked up theirs at New World Waimate.
Three South Islanders shared in Lotto’s top prizes in last night’s draw. Photo / Lotto
29 Second Division players secured a cash boost of $17,708 each from the draw. One person scored Powerball Second Division, lifting their earnings to $55,178.
The winning Powerball Second Division ticket was sold to a Hawke’s Bay player through MyLotto.
Those who haven’t checked their tickets yet should do so immediately - especially if their details match the winners, Lotto NZ said.
Lotto’s biggest jackpot of the year was left unstruck. It will roll over to Wednesday night with $3 million added, taking the grand prize to $36 million.
The winning numbers during Saturday’s draw were 9, 26, 35, 5, 7, and 4. The bonus ball was 13 and the Powerball was 10.
There were no Division One winners.
The biggest Powerball win so far this year came in April, when an Auckland MyLotto player won $23.3m.
What should you do if you win Lotto?
On Friday, financial adviser Mark Richardson told Herald NOW that new winners should take a “cooling-off period” before making any major decisions.
“If you’re not used to this sort of money, you need a cooling-off period,” he said.
“With easy money in like this, it can be easy money out.”
He urged new millionaires to resist the urge to splurge on expensive houses and cars, warning that “big ticket items come with big bills as well”.
Instead, Richardson recommends taking time to plan and seek professional help. “You’ll need sound accounting advice. You’ll need sound legal advice… You haven’t had to think about tax at this level.”
